Salford-based Salix Homes has won a six-year contract worth £1.8m to provide homeless services for Knowsley Council, continuing its outsourced work for local authorities.

Salix already runs homeless advice services for Trafford Council and is looking to branch out further into this field.

The Knowsley contract is to fulfil the statutory homeless service for the council, undertaking homelessness assessments and investigations in order to discharge the council’s statutory duties.

The existing contract is with New Charter and that is coming to an end. Salix will start its contract in December. The term is three years with the ability to extend by one year at a time for up to a further three years.

Salix will work on preventing people from becoming homeless and offer housing advice, including keeping a list of comprehensive housing options across all tenures.

This will include advice relating to downsizing, low cost home ownership and the prospects for, and affordability of, the different options.